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Similar to the way James Paul Gee (2008) advocates for video games and simulations as powerful educational tools in classrooms, we can notice a strong correlation to this narrative in the corporate world, especially in fields like aviation and motorsport. Gee (2008) highlights the fact that simulation games promote problem-solving, critical thinking, experimentation, and collaboration skills that are also crucial in piloting and racing careers.
In both educational and corporate sectors, simulation training mimics what Gee and Gee (2017) describe as learning systems, where learners role-play and experience virtual training, building skills and experiences as they go in a virtual and interactive environment. Thus, such systems enhance deep and inquiry-based learning by granting users with risk-free practice of strategies, giving them instant feedback, and adapting practiced strategies on simulators in real time. As a result, digital games and simulations have been transforming and influencing many professional education and training.
Flight Simulation Training
Flight Simulation Training
Flight simulators are a foundational step in any and all pilot training, providing pilots with critical skills, be it a Boeing 737 or a small agricultural aircraft.
Why does the Aviation industry use Flight Simulators?
According to Källström, J., Granlund, R., & Heintz (2022), simulation-based training provides the following 7 differentiators:
Cost-effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness
Compared to flying aircraft and learning in real time, virtual simulators considerably reduce the costs
Safety
Safety
Pilots can train in complex environments and complex scenarios risk-free as frequently as they need
Availability
Availability
Pilots can train on any and all types of aircraft regardless of current weather conditions or available aircrafts or airspaces
Complex Scenario Simulation
Complex Scenario Simulation
Difficult and high-pressure scenarios are easily replicated by the simulator.
Instant Feedback
Instant Feedback
A pilot's performance is analyzed and explained in a data-driven report, allowing pilots to polish and enhance their skills
Team Collaboration
Team Collaboration
Pilots can practice commands and all flying procedures with both human and AI crew mates
Self-paced Learning
Self-paced Learning
Individual training doesn't require the entire flight crew
With the aforementioned benefits, simulation training can increase the efficiency and accessibility of pilot training.
Flight Training Center
Flight Training Center
Take a look at one of the world’s largest Flight Training Center in Denver which is run by United Airlines. These multimillion-dollar simulators train and recertify thousands of pilots on a daily basis, simulating all necessary procedures and safety protocols in the air, excluding the training on how to forcefully remove a passenger off a plane, of course.
Flight Simulator
Flight Simulator
This video offers a thorough look inside the final stage of airline pilot training, leading up to the pilot’s first real flight in real time.
Racing Simulation Training
Racing Simulation Training
Alonso et al. (2023) stated that racing simulation training is more than just a game, it’s an effective and research-backed device that improves drivers’ safety and performance. Similar to the flying simulators, they also identified the reasons behind simulators’ effectiveness:
Risk-free Practice
Risk-free Practice
Drivers are able to practice dangerous scenarios without any risk of injury or harm to themselves and vehicles.
Hazard Recognition
Hazard Recognition
Drivers are twice as likely to notice and react to road hazards thanks to simulator training.
Cognitive Skills
Cognitive Skills
Drivers improve in visual scanning, attention, and decision-making.
Long-Term Results
Long-Term Results
Benefits don’t disappear quickly, especially with continued practice on new or repeated racing tracks.
Customization
Customization
Simulators can address a driver’s weaknesses, focusing on defensive driving, overtakes, or pit stops.
Simulator in Action: Catch Me If You Can
Simulator in Action: Catch Me If You Can
This video offers a behind-the-scenes look on how the best F1 driver in the world practices on the racing simulator prior to the Melbourne Grand Prix.
The Power of Simulation: Money Well-Spent?
The Power of Simulation: Money Well-Spent?
This video does a thorough job explaining the importance of F1 simulators that help F1 teams to test the cars in the simulation first before developing and equipping these parts straight onto the cars without ever leaving the factory. This highlights the industry’s complete and utter trust in simulations and their results, making the real-time car testing secondary to the simulator.
Experiential Training
Experiential Training
Here are a selection of popular resources, some are free but others have a fee, where you can test your flying and driving skills:
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator
This game offers an immersive journey through our realistic world, offering a variety of aircrafts for players to use, be it a seasoned and licensed pilot, someone who is learning to fly, or anyone who would like to play a game.
Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7
This game is a racing simulator that features numerous cars and tracks where players can literally feel, and test drive each car on legendary racing tracks around the world. Best immersion can be achieved while using a steering wheel and pedals.
This game is a free alternative to Grand Turismo 7 where you can test your driving skills when overtaking your opponents, maneuvering through turns, and attempting to come first in the race.
Fun Facts
Fun Facts
1) 🏎️ Max Verstappen, F1 champion and sim racer, was once caught playing and streaming sim races until 2 AM before a race day. However, this didn’t stop him from completely dominating on the track that day.
2) 🏎️ Jann Mardenborough has landed his first racing contract after years of playing and competing in Gran Turismo contests.
3) 🛬 Every six months, commercial pilots are required to log multiple hours of simulator training to stay licensed and well-trained.
4) 🛩️ Finally, the first flight simulators were developed during WW2, training pilots prior to the military missions in spinning wooden cockpits.
From this...
From this...
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🏁 Check point: Simulation Training
🏁 Check point: Simulation Training
Now that you've explored the core components of simulation-based training, we want to hear from you:
What do you think about the future of simulation training?
Share your thoughts in the Padlet below👇 feel free to be honest, curious, or even skeptical. We’re here to explore all perspectives.
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